^. 


%J#     -^^^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


IA£|28     |2.5 

■  50     "^~        !■■ 

!!:   1^    III  2.0 


2.2 


III— 

U    IIIIII.6 


III 


v: 


V 


/A 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


^">%^^ 
^^^ 


23  WEST  MAIN  !»^^CET 
WEBSTER,  N.Y.  MSaC 

(716)  87:*.  ^5  03 


,.v 


i/. 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collectio*^  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


L'institut  a  microfilmd  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m6thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquds  ci-dessous. 


□ 

D 
D 
D 
D 


□ 
[3 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagee 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pelliculde 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


n 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relid  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int6rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutdes 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  dtait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6td  rilmdes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl^mentaires; 


□    Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

□    Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommag6es 

I      I    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 


Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pel!icul6es 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  d6color6es,  tachet^es  ou  piqu^es 


□Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tachees 

[""Vshowthrough/ 
lJLI    Transparence 

I      I    Quality  of  print  varies/ 


D 


Quality  inegale  de  {'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplementaire 


□    Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  film^es  d  nouveau  de  facon  ci 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmd  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqu6  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

/ 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


tails 
idu 
odifier 
une 
mage 


Th«  copy  filmed  h«ra  hat  be«n  r«produc«d  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

Library  Division 

Provincial  Archives  of  British  Columbia 

Tha  imagas  appearing  hara  arw  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  considaring  tha  condition  and  lagibiiity 
of  tha  origiiiai  copy  and  in  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacifications. 


Original  copias  in  printad  papar  covars  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — »-  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


L'exemplaire  film*  fut  reproduit  grAce  i  la 
ginArosIti  da: 

Library  Division 

Provincial  Archives  of  British  Columbia 

Las  images  suivantas  ont  At4  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin.  compta  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattet*  de  I'exemplaira  film*,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimAe  sont  filrnAs  en  commen^ant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
derniAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmes  en  commen^ant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  derniAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  lo 
cas:  le  symbols  -^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
fiimAs  A  des  taux  de  rMuction  diffArents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  6tre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  film*  A  partir 
de  Tangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mAthode. 


Trata 
to 


pelure, 
n  i 


D 


32X 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

OOcop 


^f 


..:    .ill. 

(  *i-4  --Mt  ■ 


m 


!>;,      •'!'      f!;' 


Delivt 


'  ^ 


\ 


i 


The  rei 
months  t( 
Oregon,  \ 

Mr.  I 

ed  debai 
late  hoi 
amid  a  i 
nitude  c 
his  mini 
to  the  ri 
lated  to 

He  r( 
peace  fi 
said  of  1 
some  p( 
directly 
from  wl 
events  j 
that  bor 

It  wa 
scenes  « 
associat 
brave  rc 
laurels  1 
and  coi 
fields  tl 
the  mill 
was  als 
by  fire 
safety  a 
gravatei 
were  d< 
in  the  i 
had  tut 
of  them 


..  ■  ..  ,.  f/  nv,  r  ■•  •/  .   "i 

,     ■)  "|(»  "/■';■■•■     If'.'  ■»/■'  '   <•'  1    ''1,1 


SPEECH 


OP 


.^      .1.  I  ...    ,.,, 


IK.  WASHINGTON  HUNT, 


,ir;     m'    :•  '.-•,,?■• 


I  », 


U'V, 


OF  NEW  YORK, 

ON 


.•,:!'       ;'<t(ti, 


THE  OREGON  QUESTION. 


;i'  .1 


! 


.  * 


Delivered  in  the  House  of  Representatives ,  U.  S.y  February  Gth,  1846. 


The  resolution  reported  by  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Affairs  directing  notice  of  twelve 
months  to  be  given  to  terminate  the  Convention  with  Great  Britain  for  the  joint  occupation  of 
Oregoii,  being  under  consideration  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union — 

Mr.  HUNT  said,  that,  wearied  as  he  knew  the  House  to  be  by  tl)is  protract- 
ed debate,  if  he  were  to  consult  his  personal  inclinations,  he  would  not,  at  that 
late  hour,  prolong  the  discussion ;  but  he  had  endeavored,  for  several  days, 
amid  a  throng  of  eager  competitors,  to  obtain  the  floor,  feeling  it  due  to  the  mag- 
nitude of  the  question  that  he  should  briefly  submit  the  views  which  influenced 
his  mind  and  governed  his  action  in  the  vote  he  intended  to  give.  He  felt  it  due 
to  the  rights  of  a  constituency  who  are  deeply  concerned  in  all  measures  calcu- 
lated to  affect  the  pacific  relations  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain. 

He  represented  a  people  who  have  been  taught  to  appreciate  the  blessings  of 
peace  from  their  experience  of  the  vicissitudes  of  war.  Whilst  much  had  been 
said  of  the  exposed  condition  of  our  sea-board,  and  the  defenceless  condition  of 
some  portions  of  the  country,  he  would  venture  to  afhrm,  that  no  section  is  more 
directly  interested  in  preserving  the  public  trant  y  than  the  Niagara  frontier, 
from  which  he  came.  Was  it  necessary  to  remuK  the  House  of  the  thrilling 
events  and  stirring  conflicts  which,  in  our  last  contest  with  England,  had  made 
that  border  memorable  in  American  annals  ? 

It  was  the  theatre  o**  noble  daring  and  brilliant  exploits,  which  had  invested 
scenes  of  natural  sublimity  with  the  additional  grandeur  of  historical  interest  and 
association.  It  was  there  that  Scott,  Porter,  and  other  gallant  leaders,  with  the 
brave  men  who  followed  them,  by  their  valor  and  prowess,  had  won  immortal 
laurels  for  themselves,  whilst  they  vindicated  the  power  of  the  American  arms, 
and  contributed  so  largely  to  our  national  glory  and  renown.  On  her  bloody 
fields  their  heroic  deeds  and  victorious  intrepidity  had  shed  unfadii.?  lustre  on 
the  military  fame  of  the  country.  But  if  it  was  a  theatre  of  victory  and  glory,  it 
was  also  a  scene  of  ca?amity  and  dismay.  The  frontier  towns  were  desolated 
by  fire  and  sword,  and  our  people  were  driven  from  their  homes  in  pursuit  of 
safety  and  shelter.  Truth  forced  him  to  add,  that  the  disasters  of  war  were  ag- 
gravated by  the  cold  injustice  of  our  own  Government;  few  of  those  who 
were  deprived  of  their  property  and  their  homes,  whilst  they  perilled  their  lives 
in  the  national  defence,  having  received  any  adequate  remuneration.  Congress 
had  turned  a  deaf  ear  upon  their  just  and  repeated  demands  for  redress,  till  many 
of  them  have  ceased  to  hope  for  justice  or  reparation  at  your  hands. 


J.  fc  G.  t*.  Gideon,  Primers. 


iSMflfJ 


ijiiisit  ttsr.iiiy}     *, 


-fii;-'  n'!:i>w  tT,^ 


r, 


w-%, 


A- 


In  the  event  of  another  contest  with  England,  that  devoted  frontier  will  agaii 
become  the  theatre  of  conflict,  and  the  people,  of  whom  it  was  his  pridt 
to  be  the  humble  representative,  will  be  among  the  first  to  hear  the  strife  of  bat 
tie  and  the  din  of  arms.  The  scenes  of  the  last  war  will  be  renewed  on  a  broad- 
er scale,  with  the  more  poteat  enginery  of  destruction  which  modern  inventior, 
has  fabricated. 

In  these  allusions  to  liis  own  section  of  the  country,  its  past  incidents  and  pre 
sent  posture,  he  hoped  he  might  not  be  misunderstood.  He  was  actuated  by  nc 
sectional  spirit.  It  was  not  his  purpose,  justified  as  he  would  be  by  the  exam 
pie  of  many  gentlemen  in  this  debate,  to  boast  of  the  superior  courage  or  patriot 
ism  of  his  constituents.  He  regarded  such  comparisons  as  invidious,  if  not  un- 
just.  He  confided  in  the  patriotism  and  fidelity  of  the  American  people  in  al 
quarters  of  the  Union ;  and  never  doubted  their  readiness  or  ability  to  maintair 
the  rights  of  the  country  with  determined  vigor  and  fearless  spirit  in  every  emer- 
gency. When  Uie  trial  comes,  (if  come  it  shall,)  those  for  whom  he  spake  will 
be  first  to  obey  the  summons  ef  their  country,  and  among  the  foremost  where 
danger  is  to  be  found.  Whilst  no  people  cherish  a  more  ardent  desire  for  peace, 
there  are  none  in  whon".  the  contemplation  of  war  excites  a  smaller  degree  of  per 
sonal  fear  or  apprehension. 

They  demand,  as  they  have  a  right  to  expect,  that  those  who  are  entrusted 
with  the  management  of  national  affairs  shall  not  involve  us  in  war  withoui 
clear,  manifest,  and  overruling  necessity.     Thny  will  hold  the  Governnicnt  re- 
sponsible to  use  all  just  and  honorable  endeavors  to  avert  the  calamity.     If  sin- 
cere and  patriotic  efforts  to  preserve  the  peace  of  the  country  shall  prove  una 
vailing,  and  an  appeal  to  arms  in  defence  of  national  honor  or  national  rights 
becomes  inevitable,  then  they  will  require  of  those  whose  duty  it  is  to  foresee 
the  impending  storm,  that  they  adopt  timely  measures  of  preparation,  and  placf 
the  country  in  a  strong  attitude  of  defence.     Any  neglect  of  this  imperative  duty 
will  bring  down  upon  the  Government  the  consuming  indignation  of  the  people, 
Mr.  H.  said  he  was  one  of  those   who  desired  to  preserve  the  peace  of  the 
country  on  the  lasting  foundations  of  national  honor  and  integrity.     Some  gen- 
tlemen appear  to  regard  the  national  honor  as  incompatible  with  peace.     On  the 
contrary,  he  contended,  that  a  spirit  of  moderation,  which  cherishes  the  peace  oi 
nations,  is  in  harmony  with  the  noblest  dictates  of  honor  and  duty.     Our  true 
policy,  as  a  nation,  is  eminently  pacific.     If  we  are  to  advance  in  improvement, 
civilization,  and  happiness,  our  progress  must  be  made  through  the  paths  of  tran- 
quillity, under  tlie  benignant  sway  of  peaceful  counsels.     He  would  not  dwell 
upon  the  genial  blessings  of  peace,  or  descant  upon  die  frightful  train  of  suffer- 
ing, degradation,  and  crime  of  which  war  is  the  prolific  source.     These  topics 
have  been  exhausted  by  others.     With  but  i^vi  exceptions,  we  hear  expres- 
sions, on  all  sides,  of  a  desire  for  peace.     It  is  true,  the  gentleman  from  Il- 
linois (Mr.  Douglass)  declared,  in  a  strain  of  sublime  indifference,  that  he  neither 
knew  or  car«d  whether  war  might  result  from  pur  action.     In  the  raanagemeni 
of  a  complicated  question,  which  has  employed  the  diplomatic  skill  of  the  Gov- 
ernment for  nearly  thirty  years,  he  proclaims  that  it  matters  not  to  him  whethei 
peace  or  war  may  ensue ;  and  that  his  course,  is  not  to  be  influenced  by  any 
regard  to  consequences  of  that  nature.     But  he  deceives  himself  if  he  believes 
the  people  of  the  country  are  prepared  to  adopt  a  sentiment  so  offensive  to  hu- 
manity, and  so  abhorrent  to  the  civilization  of  the  age  in  which  we  live. 

In  deliberating  upon  que.4tions  of  such  grave  importance,  it  is  our  first  duty, 
as  rational  and  responsible  representatives,  to  consider  well  the  probable  tenden^ 
cy  and  result  of  our  action.  To  defy  consequences,  in  a  spirit  of  reckless  and 
vain-glorious  bravado,  is  to  sport  witli  the  destinies  of  the  nation,  and  the  hap- 
piness of  mankind.  May  God  save  the  country  from  the  statesmanship  and  pa- 
triotism which  cares  not  for  consequences!  .  >  .'mr'i  «5TObiKt,''  iij* 


Mr.  H. 

ately  undt 

sident  to  1 

the  Orego 

few  wordi 

That  w 

by  the  Ct 

real  impo 

was  force 

Uon,  whi( 

unquestio 

in  our  ow 

a  plausibl 

deny  it,  ii 

istration  ( 

whole  is 

U  that  we 

have  we 

be  said,  t 

our  rights 

eight  yea 

py  Amer 

To  say 

northern 

ment  con 

propriate 

of  both  t» 

forbearar 

In  reg 

river,  to 

a  higher 

ance,  no 

possessii 

thereby 

and  poui 

been  see 

a  railroa 

the  Atla 

foresee  t 

by  open 

America 

world,  i 

mighty 

world. 

place  us 

Indies. 

Therj 
project ; 
which  1 
sent  ger 
wild,  vi 
enthusi; 
this  day 
the  pro" 


» 


tier  will  agaii 
r&a  his  pridt 
strife  of  bat 
id  on  a  broad- 
ern  inventior 

dents  and  pre 
ctuated  by  nt 
by  the  exam 
ige  or  patriot 
us,  if  not  UH' 
people  in  al 
ty  to  maintair 
1  every  emer- 
le  spake  will 
remost  where 
lire  for  peace, 
degree  of  per 

are  entrusted 
war  withoui 
JverDDient  re- 
ality.    If  sin- 
all  prove  una- 
ational  rights 
t  is  to  foresee 
on,  and  place 
perative  duty 
af  the  people. 
J  peace  of  the 
Some  gen- 
ace.     On  the 
s  the  peace  oi 
y.     Our  true 
improvement 
paths  of  tran- 
ild  not  dwell 
ain  of  suffer- 
These  topics 
hear  expres- 
Tian  from  II- 
Jiat  he  neither 
management 
of  the  Gov- 
him  whether 
need  by  any 
■  he  believes 
ensive  to  hu- 
live. 

ur  first  duty, 
)able  tenden- 
reckless  and 
nd  the  hap- 
ship  and  pa- 


Mr.  H.  said  he  intended  to  direct  his  remarks  chiefly  to  the  question  immedi- 
ately under  consideration,  and  to  discuss  the  expediency  of  authorizing  the  Pre- 
sident to  terminate  the  convention  with  Great  Britain  for  the  joint  occupation  of 
tht  Oregon  territory  ;  but,  before  proceeding  to  that  subject,  he  desiited  to  say  a 
few  words  in  relation  to  the  extent  and  value  of  our  rights  in  Oregon. 

That  we  have  a  clear  title  to  all  that  portion  of  the  territory  which  is  drained 
by  the  Columbia  river — and  which,  in  his  opinion,  was  the  only  part  of  much 
real  importance  to  our  national  interests — there  was  no  room  for  doubt ;  but  he 
was  forced  to  admit,  that,  in  his  judgment,  our  claim  to  the  more  northern  por- 
tion, which  is  drained  by  Frazer's  river,  does  not  rest  upon  the  same  clear  and 
unquestionable  foundation  Satisfactory  as  our  title  north  of  49  degrees  may  be 
in  our  own  estimation,  an  impartial  mind  can  hardly  deny  that  England  presents 
a  plausible  claim  of  title,  resting  on  priority  of  discovery  and  settlement.  To 
deny  it,  is  an  implied  reflection  upon  the  wisdom  and  patriotism  of  every  admin- 
istration of  our  own  Government  for  the  last  thirty  years.  If  our  title  to  the 
whole  is  clear  and  indisputable  up  tc  54°  40',  and  England  has  no  rights,  why  is 
U  that  we  have  allowed  her  to  enjoy  a  joint  possession  since  1828?  And  why 
have  we  repeatedly  proposed  to  divide  with  her  on  the  49th  parallel  ?  Will  it 
be  said,  that,  whilst  negotiating  for  a  quarter  of  a  century,  we  have  not  known 
our  rights,  or  have  not  dared  to  maintain  them  ?  Did  Gen.  Jackson,  during  the 
eight  years  that  he  filled  the  Executive  chair,  quietly  permit  the  British  to  occu- 
py American  territory  to  which  we  have  a  clear  and  unquestionable  title  ? 

To  say  nothing  of  the  complicated  questions  which  surround  the  title  to  the 
northern  portion  of  the  country,  the  repeated  concessions  of  our  own  Govern- 
ment conclusively  prove  that  the  conflicting  rights  of  the  two  nations  are  the  ap- 
propriate subject  of  negotiation,  and  he  regarded  it  as  alike  the  duty  and  interest 
of  both  to  proceed  to  an  early  adjustment  of  the  controversy  in  a  spirit  of  mutual 
forbearance  and  concession. 

In  regard  to  the  value  of  the  southern  part  of  Oregon,  including  the  Columbia 
river,  to  which  our  title  is  unquestionable,  he  believed  few  gentlemen  had  formed 
a  higher  estimate  than  himself.  He  considered  it  of  immense  national  import- 
ance, not  so  much  for  its  soil  and  productions,  as  its  commercial  position.  Its 
possession  will  ultimately  secure  to  us  an  ascendancy  in  the  trade  of  the  Pacific, 
thereby  making  "  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth"  tributary  to  our  enterprise, 
and  pouring  into  our  lap  "  the  wealth  of  Ormus  and  of  Ind."  Though  he  had 
been  sceptical  at  first,  he  was  now  convinced  that  the  time  is  approaching  when 
a  railroad  communication  will  be  accomplished,  over  our  own  national  soil,  from 
the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific.  It  is  not  in  the  power  of  human  discernment  to 
foresee  the  mighty  results,  political  and  commercial,  which  are  to  be  produced 
by  opening  this  new  highway  across  the  continent ;  but  that  it  will  elevate  the 
American  nation  to  a  proud  pre-eminence  and  ascendancy  in  the  commercial 
world,  is  sufficiently  obvious,  without  the  aid  of  prophetic  power.  When  this 
mighty  work  is  consummated,  it  will  open  a  new  era  in  the  commerce  of  the 
world.  Our  position,  as  compared  with  the  commercial  nations  of  Europe,  will 
place  us  in  speedy  communication  and  near  proximity  with  China  and  the  East 
Indies. 

There  are  many  who  continue  to  view  this  continental  railway  as  a  chimerical 
project ;  but  may  not  the  same  be  said  of  most  of  the  stupendous  undertakings 
which  have  been  consummated  in  our  country  by  the  bold  enterprise  of  the  pre- 
sent generation  ?  Thirty  years  ago  many  wise  men  viewed  the  Erie  canal  as  a 
wild,  visionary,  and  impracticable  scheme,  and  denounced  its  advocates  as  mad 
enthusiasts.  A  railway  to  the  Pacific  is  not  so  bold  and  formidable  a  project  at 
this  day,  as  was  the  Erie  canal  in  its  original  conception,  when  you  consider 
the  progress  of  invention  and  the  comparative  ability  of  the  country.       ^^  ^'^'»' 


7  r  o  f  O''? 


n 


But  (Mr.  H.  said)  he  must  abandon  these  collateral  topics,  and  proceed  to  the 
question  more  distinctly  before  the  committee.  For  twenty>eight  years  the  Oregon 
territory  has  been  occupied  by  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  under  the  treat- 
ties  of  1818  and  1827,  which  placed  the  country  open  to  both,  andgave  to  each  an 
equal  right  of  settlement  and  occupation  whilst  the  treaty  shall  continue  in  force ; 
either  party  having  the  right,  under  the  treaty  of  1827,  to  terminate  the  compact 
by  giving  twelve  months*  notice  to  the  other.  The  President  of  the  United 
States,  to  whom  the  Constitution  has  entrusted  the  conduct  of  our  foreign  rela* 
tions,  has  recommended  that  this  notice  be  given.  If  we  would  form  a  safe 
opinion  of  the  probable  effect  of  the  measure,  and  ascertain  the  course  to  which 
duty  and  policy  would  guide  us,  we  must  carefully  consider  the  actual  posture  of 
affairs.  Deeply  as  we  may  regret  the  existing  attitude  of  the  question,  we  are 
compelled  to  meet  it  as  it  stands,  in  view  of  facts  from  which  we,  who  are  not 
responsible  Tor  them,  have  no  power  of  escape.  He  would  repeat  what  he  had 
already  said,  that  he  viewed  this  Oregon  controversy  as  the  appropriate  subject 
of  amicable  negotiation  and  settlement.  That  it  might  now  be  adjusted  on  terms 
honorable  to  both  countries,  but  for  the  party  aspects  which  the  question  has 
been  made  to  assume  within  the  last  two  years,  he  entertained  no  doubt. 

At  the  opening  of  the  last  Presidential  campaign,  the  party  now  in  the  ascen- 
dant were  reduced  to  a  desperate  extremity.  Their  legitimate  candidateis,  to 
whom  public  attention  had  been  directed,  and  their  prominent  party  measures, 
were  known  to  be  unacceptable  to  the  country,  and  it  was  sagaciously  deter- 
mined to  infuse  into  the  canvass  new  elements  of  agitation.  Candidates  before 
unheard  of  were  placed  before  the  country,  and  new  issues  were  invented,  to  ex- 
cite the  public  imagination.  Texas  and  Oregon  were  proclaimed  by  the  Balti- 
more convention  as  "great  Democratic  measures,"  and  a  spirit  of  conquest  was 
aroused  which  set  at  naught  the  peaceful  and  moderate  policy  which  had  direct- 
ed the  previous  counsels  of  the  country.  Our  title  to  the  whole  of  Oregon  was 
declared  to  be  clear  and  unquestionable.  A  question  of  foreign  relations  which 
had  embarrassed  preceding  administrations,  and  to  the  successful  management  of 
which  the  highest  skill,  forbearance,  and  concert  of  parties,  were  indispensable, 
was  seized  upon  as  a  party  affair,  and  dragged  down  from  its  national  position 
to  the  arena  of  political  contest  and  domestic  strife.  It  was  from  no  desire  to 
disturb  party  feelings  in  any  quarter  that  he  alluded  to  these  unfortunate  events, 
but  because  they  had  become  so  incorporated  with  the  question,  as  to  form  a  ma- 
terial part  of  the  subject.  This  ill-starred  conjunction  of  foreign  affairs  with  in- 
ternal politics  was  the  chief  cause  of  our  present  difficulty.  In  respect  to  our 
relations  with  other  countries,  there  should  be  but  one  party,  and  the  American 
people  ought  to  present  an  united  front  to  the  world.  In  the  name  of  j,ustice, 
patriotism,  and  decency,  he  would  inquire  by  what  right,  or  with  what  good  mo- 
tive, any  political  party  seized  upon  questions  of  foreign  policy  as  their  own 
exclusive  property  and  concern  ?  He  hoped  the  embarrassments  in  which  we 
now  find  ourselves  involved,  will  serve  as  a  warning  to  the  people  in  all  future 
time. 

Upon  this  Oregon  question,  artfully  intermingled  with  other  issues,  the  new 
Administration  finds  itself  seated  in  power.  The  President  enters  upon  negotia- 
tions, under  the  responsibility  of  constitutional  obligations,  his  hands  tied  by  pre- 
vious declarations  and  party  resolves.  To  exercise  his  authority  in  accordance 
with  the  pretensions  by  which  he  acquired  it  is  found  impossible,  and  he  wisely 
decides  to  propose  a  surrender  of  nearly  half  the  territory  which  he  had  previ- 
ously declared  to  be  ours  by  clear  and  unquestionable  title.  Far  be  it  from  me 
to  censure  that  proposal.  It  had  received  the  general  approbation  of  the  coun- 
try. In  making  the  proffer,  the  Executive  had  shown  that  he  felt  his  obliga- 
tions to  preserve  the  peace  of  the  country,  notwithstandbg  the  authority  of  the 


Baltimo 

refractoi 

amount 

Butti 

failefl,  a 
Iquisite  i 
termine 
this  ryc( 
barrass 
justmen 
tirely  fr 
elusion 
over  tht 
dition. 
Executi 
'clause, 
Itled  by 

•  Sevei 
opinion 
itermina 

and  his 

gress. 

fthe  sub 

ione,  to 

^tion  opi 

fchosen 

•tutional 

united  1 

Iper  exe 

iPresidt 

'|tions  IS 

Und  pie 

I    Mr. 

Twhich 

jfelt  cor 

,k  spee( 

tiation. 

difficul 

tliority 

•Control 

tjconseq 

^xecu 

.Iriends 

©y  a  s 

gans,  J 

claim  I 

the  toi 

flame  i 

trayed 

smagog 

liwellii 

■%le8  an 

•  will  e< 
ititle  to 

towan 


proceed  to  the  Baltimore  resolutions,  which  have  been  read  here  so  frequently  to  sHence  the 
eara  the  Oregon  refractory  into  submission,  ac  if  they  possessed  a  binding  force  and  validity  par- 
under  the  treat-  amount  to  the  Constitution. 

gave  to  each  an      gut  the  efforts  of  the  two  Governments  to  settle  the  controversy  have  thus  far 
itinue  in  force ;  failecl,  and  now  the  President  calls  upon  Congress  to  provide  for  giving  the  re- 
te  the  compact  i^uisite  notice  to  terminate  the  joint  occupation.     The  real  question  for  us  to  d^- 
01  the  United  termine,  in  view  of  the  present  posture  of  affairs,  is,  whether  a  compliance  with 
ur  foreign  rela.  j},ig  recommondalion  will  be  calculated  to  increase  the  danger  of  war,  or  to  em- 
form  a  safe  barrass  the  endeavors  of  the  two  countries  to  bring  the  subject  to  a  friendly  ad- 
Burse  to  which  justnient.     On  this  point  (Mr.  H.  said)  he  confessed  his  mind  had  not  been  en- 
stual  posture  of  tirely  free  from  t,mbarrassment ;  but  mature  reflection  had  led  him  to  the  con- 
icstion,  we  are  elusion  that  it  is  safer  and  wiser  to  give  the  President  ^ull,  discretionary  power 
e,  who  ^1*^  i^ot  0ygr  ^he  subject,  than  to  leave  the  question  in  its  present  doubtful,  indefinite  con- 
it  what  he  had  ^ition.     He  was  prepared  to  vote  for  a  resolution  conferring  authority  upon  the 
opriate  subject  Executive  to  give  the  notice  at  his  own  proper  discretion,  with  an  additional 
usted  on  terras  ^iguse,  expressive  of  the  sense  of  Congress  that  the  controversy  ought  to  be  set- 
;  question  has  |ned  by  peaceful  negotiation. 

doubt.  I    Several  considerations  concurred  to  bring  hi?  mind  to  this  conclusion.     In  his 

V  m  the  ascen-  Opinion,  the  President  now  has  full  constitutional  power  to  give  the  notice  and 

candidates,  to  terminate  the  treaty,  whenever  in  his  judgment  the  public  interest  requires  it; 

arty  measures,  ^^nd  his  authority,  in  this  respect,  cannot  be  enlarged  by  any  resolution  of  Con- 

iciously  deter-  gross.     But,  since  he  doubts  or  disclaims  the  sufficiency  of  his  power,  and  refers 

ndidates  before  ,the  subject  to  the  legislative  branch  of  the  Government,  he  was  unwilling,  for 

iivented,  to  ex-  ^^e,  to  furnish  hifti  or  his  advisers  any  ground  or  temptation  to  keep  the  ques- 

l  by  the  Balti-  ^tjo^  gpg^  Jq^  purposes  of  political  agitation  and  excitement.     The  people  have 

•^u'i?'!f^^-  ^*^  fchosen  to  entrust  him  with  the  conduct  of  our  foreign  affairs,  and  as  the  consti- 

en       ^^^^^'  'tutional  responsibility  rests  upon  him,  let  the  power  and  the  responsibility  be 

)t  Oregon  was   united  beyond  all  cavil,  and  the  country  will  hold  him  answerable  for  their  pro- 

eiations  which  fpgp  exercise.     Whatever  difference  of  opinion  may  exist  as  to  the  power  of  the 

naanageraentof  |President  to  give  the  notice,  all  must  perceive  that  his  control  over  the  negotia- 

indispensable,  'itions  is  such  as  to  make  the  settlement  of  the  question  dependant  upon  his  will 

tional  position  ^^d  pleasure.  •  h    .so  ;  -:„  .  ,,,     , 

m  no  desire  to  <^    Mr.  H.  said  it  was  obvious  to  him,  that  the  difficulty  had  reached  a  crisis 

rtunate  events,  .which  made  early  action  necessary  to  preserve  the  peace  of  the  country.     He 

I  to  form  a  ma-  s(q\i  convinced  that  delay  is  more  dangerous  than  action.     Unless  it  is  brought  to 

iffairs  with  in-  ,^  speedy  settlement,  he  believed  it  never  would  be  terminated  by  friendly  nego- 

respect  to  our    tiation.     Every  year  will  produce  new  obstacles,  and  render  its  adjustment  more 

the  American    iJifficult.     If  Congress  decline  to  act,  and  withhold  from  the  President  the  au- 

raie  of  j,ustice,  vthority  he  asks,  we  assume  a  great  responsibility,  whilst  we  have  no  power  to 

vtizt  good  mo-  -control  the  negotiations,  and  virtually  subject  ourselves  to  imputation  for  any  evil 

as  their  own  ;^onsequences  that  may  follow.     Suppose  we  resist  the  recommendation  of  the 

m  whieh  we  Executive,  and  refuse  to  authorize  the  notice,  what  will  have  been  gained  by  the 

in  all  future   .jfriends  of  national  tranquility  ?     The  country  will  be  harassed  and  convulsed 

©y  a  system  of  popular  agitation.     The  partisan  press  of  the  country,  the  or- 

sues,  the  new    gans,  great  and  small,  which  pander  to  popular  prejudice  and  passion,  will  pro- 

upon  negotia-    claim  that  the  whole  of  Oregon  is  ours.     "  The  whole  or  none  !"  will  be  made 

Is  tied  by  pre-    the  touchstone  of  patriotism,  and  the  watchword  of  the  faithful.     They  will  in- 

in  accordance    flqme  the  national  susceptibility.    They  will  insist  that  our  rights  have  been  be- 

UA  ^"  ?^    trayed,  and  that  the  nation  is  humbled  at  the  footstool  of  a  foreign  power.     De- 

16  had  previ-  imagogues  will  grow  brave,  defy  the  British,  and  make  the  welkin  ring  with 

e  It  from  me   ^welling  words  of  patriotic  purpose— fighting,  with  impunity,  tremendous  bat- 

1  of  the  coun-   ^es  and  bloody  sieges  in  prospective.    Partisan  assemblages  and  Oregon  clubs 

Bit  his  obliga-    ..•^iU  echo  back  the  war-cry,  proclaim  their  desperate  resolves,  and  assert  a  clear 

hority  of  the    jtitle  to  54°  40'.     The  spirit  of  conquest  wll  stalk  abroad,  and  national  antipathy 

towards  Britain  will  be  aroused  by  perpetual  appeals.     It  is  but  too  apparent 


^ 

i 


6 

that,  with  all  this  enginery  of  clamor  and  commotion,  the  public  feeling  will  .^^^. 
inflamed  till  it  is  placed  beyond  the  power  of  any  Administration  to  compromit^^ 
or  adjust  the  difficulty,  and  then  war  becomes  inevitable.     For  one,  he  was  uw  ^^ 
willing  to  expose  the  peace  of  the  country,  on  a  question  like  this,  to  the  wint^g] 
and  waves  of  popular  agitation.     He  preferred  to  locate  the  responsibility  at  oncT^l 
where  the  Constitution  had  intended  to  place  it,  upon  the  Executive  branch  (T  | 
the  Government,  to  be  exercised  under  the  restraints  of  official  accountability.  ^^^^^ 


If  these  apprehensions  are  deemed  visionary  in  any  quarter,  he  would  repl 


«nel 


that  the  events  of  1844  are  still  fresh  in  his  recollection,  and  after  having  8een!|^ 
majority  of  the  country  enlist  in  the  crusade  for  Texas  and  Oregon,  with  ^^^\^q 
probability  that  the  peace  of  the  country  would  be  the  forfeit,  he  must  be  pe^^ 
mitted  to  hesitate  before  he  consented  to  tempt  ambition  or  recklessness  to  a  x^ 
newal  of  the  experiment.  i^^j,t 

He  wished  to  present  another  consideration  which  deserved  serious  weighj^^j,. 
If  this  question  is  kept  open  for  the  sport  of  demagogues,  the  prosperity  of  tir  |^ . 
country  will  be  blighted  by  warlike  rumors  and  apprehensions.    In  an  uncertaii  ^^  |^j 
precarious  peace,  business  is  paralized,  enterprise  comes  to  a  stand,  and  a  con|j|^^ 
plete  stagnation  is  produced  in  the  circulation  and  employment  of  capital.     Di'Vu.  ej 
trust  and  panic  pervade  the  commercial  world,  and  there  is  an  end  of  large  undeijgy^^j^j 
takings.     The  presence  of  the  enemy  is  not  more  disastrous,  in  some  respectSj^  ,j^ 
than  the  constant-dread  of  his  coming.     It  is  our  duty,  if  possible,  to  place  thij;g^.y 
question  on  such  grounds  as  shall  promote  its  speedy  settlement.     By  no  othe  _^  ^^ 
means  can  we  impart  to  the  country  that  confidence  and  security  which  sustaij^jy 
honest  industry  and  enterprise,  and  ensure  prosperity  in  the  varied  pursuits  cj^i'in 
life.    In  this  view  of  the  subject,  he  was  convinced  that  inaction  on  our  P*»iJ«end| 
will  expose  the  country  to  more  serious  embarrassment  than  can  result  from  th_^  qJ 
adoption  of  a  resolution  in  proper  form  conferring  ample  powers  on  the  Execuj^y  ^jj 


tive. 


Mr.  II.  said,  if  the  considerations  that  he  had  suggested  had  not  removed  ai, 
doubt  from  his  mind,  there  was  yet  another  view  of  the  subject  which  appears 


aiice 
po 


to  him  conclusive.  A  bill  had  passed  the  House  at  the  last  session  to  extend  ou^^^^ 
laws  and  jurisdiction  over  the  American  population  in  Oregon,  and  a  simila^j-j  , 
measure  is  now  pending.  It  is  proposed  to  establish  military  and  civil  authoritSg  ^ 
there,  to  create  military  posts,  courts  of  justice,  Indian  agencies,  post  offices  ^  j^ 
land  offices,  and  such  other  institutions  as  are  necessary  to  the  practical  assertioi -^gg^^ 
and  maintenance  of  our  sovereignty  over  the  country.  It  seems  to  be  conceded  y^tivf 
on  all  sides,  that  we  are  to  enforce  our  jurisdiction  at  least  to  the  same  exteii  ^1 
that  Great  Britaiii  has  done  by  her  acts  of  Parliament.  It  must  be  admitted  f<^^^\ 
that  there  are  many  reasons  in  favoi  of  extending  protection  to  our  citizens  wIk  ggfQ, 
have  settled  there,  and  it  cannot  be  deferred  for  any  considerable  period.  What  \^xm 
ever  may  be  thought  of  the  wisdom  or  the  folly  of  our  people  in  severing  thi  ^gj, 
ties  of  home,  and  abandoning  the  comforts  and  blessings  of  civilized  society,  t(  ||oq] 
encounter  the  hardships  of  a  dreary,  perilous  march  over  the  Rocky  Mountains  ^j 
and  the  privations  of  the  wilderness  in  a  country  inferior  in  most  respects  to  th  g^pu 
soil  of  their  nativity,  still  they  are  American  citizens,  and  so  long  as  they  do  no 
transcend  our  territorial  limits,  they  are  entitled  to  the  protection  and  care  of  tht 
Government. 

But  it  was  evident  to  him,  that  this  measure  is  far  more  liable  to  disturb  oui 
peaceful  relations  with  England,  than  any  other  step  that  has  been  proposed 
That  two  separate  Goi'ernments  can  at  once  exercise  an  independeat  jurisdiqtioi; 
over  the  same  country  without  coming  into  collision,  is,  in  the  nature  of  things, 
a  molral  impois^ibility.  Thoiigh  British  subjects  may  be  specially  excepted  from 
ihe  operation  of  our  laws,  that  precaution  will  not  remove  the  danger  of  coitflict. 
For  it  must  be  bonie  in  mind,  that  the  Americans  and  British,  dwelling  in  near 
proximity,  are  in  daily  intercourse,  and  mutual  dealings  are  carried  on  betweer, 


afgu 

vipM 

coui 

ties 

llpt 

ffita 

pos 

tfn\ 

1»ut 

autl 

out 


public  feelinjBT  will 


tVlii*     Wiicn  controversies  arise  between  an  Anierieun  and  a  British  subject,  ur 


tration  to  coniDr      '^^^'     ""'*'"  controversies  arise  oetween  an  American  anu  a  uniisii  sunjeci,  or 

For  one  he  "^"  ^"  individual  of  one  nation  commits  an  offence  upon  the  other,  which  class 

ike  this  to  th       '"^  courts  is  to  have  jurisdiction  of  the  case?     Will  Americans  submit  to  be  ar- 


win 
responsibility  at  one] 
Executive  branch  ' 


f 


led  by  British  otficers  and   tried  by  British  judges;  or  will  British  subjects 
eeably  consent  to  become  amenable  to  our  authorities  ?     It  is  idle  to  expect 


cial  accountabilt  *  Under  the  most  favorable  auspices,  a  double  system  of  (Government,  each 
rter,  he  would  1 1'**'*^'"^  *  separate  allegiance,  and  asserting  its  control  over  members  of  the 
d  after  bavin?  s  ^  '^®  community,  cannot  harmoniously  co-exist  in  the  exercise  of  lawful  autho- 
Oreffon  witf  "'^'  -A-mongst  wild  and  adventurous  men.  impatient  of  legal  restraint — men 
feit,  he  must  be  ^^"^^  ''^^^  overleaped  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  who  carry  arms  in  their  hands 
recklessness  t     ^^f"  ready  to  resent  wrongs  and  defend  rights,  real  or  imaginary — to  suppose 


tljiB  intricate  machinery  of  double  government,  can  be  successfully  conducted, 
•ved  serious       '  ?  ^^''^"^  conllict  or  violence,  betrays  a  degree  of  credulity  in  which  he  could  not 

e  prosneritv  of  ^/'•"^i^^iP''^^* 

s.    In  an  un  •        '  '^'  presupposes  thatthe  tnen  of  Oregon,  bold  and  reckless  spirits  as  many  of  them'' 

a  stand   and       ^""^  known  to  be,  are  too  perfect  to  require  the  restraints  of  civil  Government  and 

'nt  of  caoital     ^|^"^4thority.     Of  all  the  plans  that  have  bcon  advanced,  he  coui^idered  this  scheme 

end  of  iaro-  '      t ''"^  extending  our  laws  over  that  country  the  most  warlike  in  itself,  and  the  most 

5  in  some        "  ^^rtain  to  produce  collision  and  bloodshed.     Vot  it  in  viewed  as  a  peace  measure 

'ssible   to  nl       thv  '"'^"y  "^  those  who  consider  the  giving  of  notice  an  inevitable  cause  of  war. 

'  Bv  n      ..  tiseeins  to  be  believed,  tjiat  a  belligerent  act  will  be  innocent  and  inolfensive, 

iritv  which      ^ !^^^^^  ^°  S'^^'  "otice  of  your  intention  would  prove  fatal  to  the  peace  of  the  coun- 

e  varied  nur     >  ^^W-     ^^^  could  not  restrain  his  surprise  at  tlie  opposition  whi(!h  is  made  to  con- 

laction  on        '  ^  ^i"'"S  authority  upon  the  President  to  give  the  notice,  by  several  gentlemen, 

ult  f    '^  ^ff^^"*^^  "^  '^*^  Administration,  whilst  they  insist  that  our  title  is  clear  to  the  whole 

Srera  on  thp  V  Oregon,  and  avow  their  readiness  to  establish  our  sovereignty  over  it  at  once 

^^%f  the  erection  of  civil  and  military  establishments. 
ad  not  remo  H  "Whilst  they  see  imminent  peril  in  authorizing  the  notice,  which  is  in  accord- 
ct  which  an  ^^^^  with  the  treaty,  they  perceive  no  peril  in  direct  practical  n.easures  for  taking 
ision  to  ext  i^'^^P*>S'''^ssion  of  the  territory  in  contravention  of  the  spirit  and  purpose  of  the  con- 
'on  and  a  '  m!'^'^^^'^""*  Alarmed  at  a  measure  peaceful  in  itself,  and  which  England  cannot  re- 
and' civil  auth™  ^^'^'^  ^^  indicative  of  hostility,  yet  they  are  ready  to  rush  onward  to  the  brink  of 
Jcies  Dost  ffl*"^^  precipice,  and  at  once  adopt  the  system  of  policy  which  alone  can  make 
practical  a  ?-^'^  notice  offensive;  for,  it  must  be  obvious,  that  unaccompanied  by  the  pro- 
is  to  be  con  ^yi-P®^^^  ^^*^  °^  sovereignty  and  settlement,  the  notice  must  be  harmless  and  inope- 

nust  be  ad  ^^f  !l      '^'^^  certainty  that  we  are  about  to  exercise  jurisdiction  over  the  territory, 

our  citize         »   constituted  the  strongest  reason,  in  his  mind,  for  terminating  the  joint  occupation. 

e  period     W^  "  ^^^^^  entering  upon  acts  of  sovereignty  there,  he  maintained,  that  we  are  first 


,  jjj  gg  *  •  f  hound  to  ascertain  our  rights  and  fix  our  limits  in  such  mode  as  shall  entitle  us  to 
ilized  soci"f  t  ^P^lusive  and  undisputed  possession.  It  is  contended,  that,  whilst  the  notice 
ockv  Mount^'     ^^^^^  ^^  received  as  the  signal  for  war,  if  we  proceed  quietly  to  take  possession 


ist  respects  to  th 
g  as  they  do  no 
1  and  care  of  the 

)le  to  disturb  ou! 
been  proposed 
deatjuriadiqtioi: 


posses 
ignal  fc 
assert  our  sway,  England  will  acquiesce  without  complaint,  and  we  will  thus 
saicure  the  country  without  a  struggle.  Nothing  can  be  more  fallacious  than  this 
afgument,  or  more  unreasonable  than  the  anticipation  that  Great  Britain  will 
vipw  with  indifference  the  spread  of  our  population  and  laws  ovei:  Oregon.  To 
counteract  our  progress  she  will  extend  her  own  establishments,  and  the  difficul- 
ties of  the  controversy  will  continue  to  accumulate.  If  the  two  countries  can- 
apt  now  agree  on  terms  of  compromise,  will  the  increase  of  population  and  ca- 
lature  of  th'  §*^^  ^^  ^^^  territory  serve  to  subdue  their  tenacity  and  produce  more  liberal  dis-' 
y  except  d  f"^^  positions  ?  On  the  contrary,  if  we  would  preserve  the  peace  of  the  country, 
nfferof  ^  fl^°  **^  ^^^^^  *^^®  calamities  of  ultimate  war,  it  must  be  consummated,  not  by  delay, 
Iwellin  ^'^  *"'  ^^^  ^y  svich  wise,  moderate,  yet  decisive  action,  as  shall  constrain  the  proper 
•ied  on^*^  "^°'  authorities  of  the  two  Governments  to  bting  this  matter  to  an  artangemeirt  with- 
etween   ^^^  further  procrastination.     As  the  friend  of  peace,  he  hoped  a  proposition 


n 
\ 


% 

may  be  ailupted  which  will  give  the  Prdsideiit  ample  powers,  accompanied  by 
an  expression  of  the  sense  of  Congress,  that  the  controversy  ought  to  be  settled 
by  pacific  negotiation. 

For  the  proper  exercise  of  its  powers,  let  the  Administration  stand  amenable 
to  the  country  and  to  posterity.     He  hoped  our  action  would  be  such  as  to  im- 
press upon  the  Executive  authority  of  both  nations  the  necessity  of  bringing  this 
contest  to  a  conclusion.     It  is  evident  that  England  desires  its  termination  ;  and 
he  believed  she  is  prepared  to  unite  with  us   in  conditions  of  settlement,  alike 
honorable  to  both  parlies.     Under  a  |)roper  expression  from  Congress,  he  was 
unwilling  to  believe  the  President  will  fail  to  make  an  honest  endeavor  to  bring 
the  difficulty  to  an  adjustment.     In  this  respect,  he  confessed  he  felt  less  appre- 
hension than  some  others ;  for  he  was  fully  convinced  that  the  administration 
neither  intends  or  expects  a  war  with  England.     If  bold  language  had  been  em- 
ployed, it  was  intended  for  domestic  effect,  and  not  to  break  the  peace  of  the 
world.     Let  us  look  at  the  official  action  of  the  Executive  as  the  true  exponent 
of  his  intentions.     Has  he  recommended  to  Congress  any  measures  of  prepara- 
tion for  defence,  any  increase  ot  military  or  naval  force,  ai./  augmentation  of  the 
public  resources  ?     In  a  word,  any  measure  whatever  indicating  an  apprehension 
that  the  peaceful  relations  of  the  country  are  to  be  disturbed  ?     So  far  from  ask- 
ing an  increase  of  revenue,  he  recommends  a  reduction  of  imposts.     That  he  or 
his  cabinet  council  intend  to  pursue  a  war  policy,  and  expose  the  country  to  an 
attack  from  the  most  powerful  nation  of  the  world,  whilst  they  fail  to  sus^rest  to 
Congress  any  measures  whatever  in  anticipation  of  the  emergency  v  ^uld  in- 
volve a  responsibility,  and  indicate  an  atrocious  enormity  of  purpose,  which  he 
was  not  prepared  to  impute,  and  he  would  not  believe  it  without  proof.     If  he 
was  deceived,  and  it  shall  appear  that  the  Administration  are  determined  to  de- 
lay or  prevent  a  friendly  arrangement  of  the  controversy,  we  all  know  that  the 
power  of  the  Executive  is  ample  already  ;  and  if  he  shall  exercise  it  for  the  sub- 
version of  the  national  peace  and  happiness,  upon  his  head  the  consequences 
must  rest. 

That  the  differences  between  the  countries  are  susceptible  of  fair  and  equita- 
ble arrangement,  on  principles  eminently  honorable  to  both,  seems  too  clear  to 
admit  of  dispute.  Fearful  must  be  the  retribution  that  will  be  visited  upon  either 
Government  which,  by  sullen  pertinacity  or  extreme  pretensions,  shall  shock 
the  civilisation  of  the  age,  and  violate  the  peace  of  the  world. 

In  conclusion,  Mr.  H.  made  an  earnest  appeal  to  the  friends  of  the  measure  to 
place  the  resolution  in  such  proper  and  fitting  form  as  shall  enable  moderate,  ra- 
tional men,  who  cherish  the  peace,  honor,  and  dignity  of  the  country,  to  unite 
in  its  support.  He  trusted  the  friends  of  the  Administration,  who  brought  it  into 
power,  and  confide  in  its  wisdom  and  patriotism,  will  consent  to  the  modifica- 
tion proposed  by  the  gentleman  from  Alabama.  (Mr.  Hilliard,)  by  which 
the  power  to  be  conferred  will  be  exercised  upon  the  official  judgment  and  dis- 
cretion of  the  President.  In  this  form  it  cannot  embarrass  pending  negotiations, 
but  may  serve  to  fortify  and  strengthen  the  hands  of  the  Executive.  He  appeal- 
ed to  them  to  give  an  united  expression  in  favor  of  peaceful  negotiation,  that  our 
action  may  not  be  misinterpreted  by  the  country  or  the  world.  Nothing  will 
more  surely  tend  to  preserve  peace  than  a  display  of  union  and  concert  in 
our  national  councils.  Let  our  proceedings  be  such  as  shall  deserve  to  be  ap- 
proved by  the  enlightened  judgment  and  patriotism  of  the  country,  and  then,  if 
war  shall  come,  a  spirit  of  justice  will  sanction  the  confiict,  and  the  honor  of  the 
country  will  be  vindicated  by  the  resistless  energies  of  a  united  people. 

In  our  action  upon  a  question  like  the  present,  mvolving  the  issues  of  peace 
and  war,  it  becomes  us  to  proceed  in  a  spirit  of  moderation,  patriotism-,  and  mag- 
nanimity worthy  the  fame  and  the  destiny  of  a  great  nation.      ■  "•    •-»    "»  '•- 


I 


accuiupanied  by 
gilt  to  be  settled 

stand  amenable 
e  such  as  to  im- 
of  bringing  this 
rmination ;  and 
ettlement,  alike 
ingress,  he  was 
ideavor  to  bring 
felt  less  appre- 
administration 
e  had  been  em- 
B  peace  of  the 
(  true  exponent 
res  of  prepara- 
lentation  of  the 
n  apprehension 

0  far  from  ask- 
s.  That  he  or 
;  country  to  an 
il  to  sueraest  to 
;ncy  v  ^uld  in- 
•ose,  which  he 

1  proof.     If  he 
ermined  to  de- 
know  that  the 
it  for  the  sub- 
consequences 

air  and  equita- 
ns  too  clear  to 
Eid  upon  either 
I,  shall  shock 

he  measure  to 
moderate,  ra- 
mtry,  to  unite 
wrought  it  into 
the  modifica- 
',)    by   which 
ment  and  dis- 
negotiations, 
He  appeal- 
ition,  that  our 
Nothing  will 
d   concert  in 
jrve  to  be  ap- 
',  and  then,  if 
honor  of  the 
pie.         1   hi 
ues  of  peace 
;ni^  and  mag- 


'  I 


